Watson Farley & Williams – Greek Branch
Client SatisfactionAdvising on the supply, financing and operational stages of traditional and renewable energy projects, the ‘truly insightful’ energy practice at Watson Farley & Williams LLP often represents financial institutions and international energy companies. The team specialises in handling M&A transactions and joint ventures, with the ’very commercial’ Virginia Murray being an expert in project and acquisition finance, and Marisetta Marcopoulou assisting in banking regulation and stock exchange law matters. Maira Galani focuses on environmental law affairs; Valina Giouzelaki is knowledgeable on structured finance issues; and Matina Kanellopoulou concentrates on the hotel and energy sectors.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team is truly insightful not only regarding the most legal-related issues but also regarding the energy business and in general, a great strategic partner that provides relevant information of the dynamics of the renewable energy sector in Greece.’
'Virginia Murray has a deep knowledge of the sector and the market. She goes far beyond legal advice.’
‘Tasos Giannopoulos is a great lawyer and professional you definitely feel comfortable with. Tasos is the kind of lawyer you want to have by your side because of his extraordinary commitment, approachability, readiness and thoroughness, among others. He advises in a strategic manner considering the reality of the business and market, which is very appreciated especially when it comes to advice to a foreign company starting in Greece.'
‘Within the Greece market and renewable energy sector, Watson Farley and Williams is one of the most important law firms. They can combine the international experience with a strong knowledge of the local aspects. They cover all the legal aspects connected to a development process of renewable energy projects and are very well positioned with the most important players like the banks. ’
'Virginia Murray is very commercial and one of the best contract negotiators with whom I worked. Also her team follows the same approach and it is able to provide a service very valuable for the client like us. I would like to mention Eleni Stylianou, Maira Galani, Katerina Stringari and Tasos Giannopoulos.’
‘This Team has a deep knowledge of the energy sector procedures and legislation in Greece. This Team is always up to date with the recent developments both on the legal and the Business environment within the Greek State.’
‘Hard working Individuals, always on time, never had a delay on deliverables. Ample understanding of the energy environment (procedures and legislation) in Greece. Top person Virginia Murray: I bet that there is no other lawyer in Greece with so much knowledge on this particular subject. Asimina Papakosta, Matina Kanellopoulou the other Jewels of the Team.’
Key clients
- CUBICO SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENTS LIMITED (UK)
- IMPAX ENERGY
- NEXT ENERGY
- INTER ENERGY (Israel)
- SOLEGREEN LIMITED (Israel)
- NOFAR ENERGY (Israel)
- CERO (part of Macquarie group)
- TOTAL EREN SA (GREECE)
- EUROPEAN BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
- METKA EGN LIMITED (UK, CYPRUS AND GREECE)
- JASPER WIND HELLAS SA (GREECE)
- EMERGYA WIND TECHNOLOGIES (EWT) (NETHERLANDS)
- 547 ENERGY (QUANTUM ENERGY CAPITAL) (USA)
- CANTREVA SA (GREECE)
- BAYWA R.E. (GERMANY)
- ALPHA BANK SA (GREECE)
- THEMELI SA (GREECE)
- NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE SA (GREECE)
- RF ENERGY SA (GREECE)
- PURENERGY SA (LUXEMBOURG)
- BLUE ELEPHANT
- WATTCROP
Work highlights
- Advised NextEnergy Capital (NEC) on its first strategic solar and battery storage acquisitions in Greece.
- Advised the beneficial owners of construction company Cantreva on its sale of 75% of the shares of Unagi to Motor Oil Renewable Energy.
- Advised Cero Generation on the acquisition and financing of Project Delfini, a 100MW solar PV project in Prosotsani, Drama, Greece, as well as the negotiation of a long-term PPA with Axpo.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Virginia Murray